Absolum: Stunning Roguelite from Streets of Rage 4 Creators

Guard Crush Games, the studio behind Streets of Rage 4, teams up once again with publisher Dotemu for a new beat-'em-up: Dotemu's first original IP, Absolum. Boasting stunning hand-drawn animation by Supamonks and a soundtrack composed by the acclaimed Gareth Coker, Absolum is shaping up to be a major contender.

My hands-on experience confirmed the developers' promise of "deep replayability." Absolum is a gorgeous, fantasy-themed roguelite side-scrolling beat-'em-up RPG. I played as two distinct characters: the tank-like Karl and the agile ranger Galandra, each offering a unique combat style. The gameplay involves battling fantastical creatures, smashing environments in search of health pickups, exploring buildings for treasure, facing challenging bosses, and, inevitably, dying and starting again. Two-player same-screen co-op is also planned.

The game evokes a nostalgic feeling reminiscent of classic arcade beat-'em-ups and titles like *Golden Axe*, thanks to its charming Saturday morning cartoon aesthetic and simple yet effective two-button combat system. The roguelite elements, however, provide a modern twist, enhancing both the challenge and replayability.

What is your favorite modern beat-'em-up? -----------------------------------------

Streets of Rage 4TMNT: Shredder's RevengeRiver City Girls (1 or 2)Dragon's Crown ProRiver City Ransom UndergroundMother Russia BleedsOther (feel free to leave a Comment below)

AnswerSee ResultsPlayers discover both active and passive power-ups throughout the game. Active items, such as weapons and spells, are activated using triggers and face buttons, while passives enhance your character's stats. The randomized nature of these power-ups adds a layer of strategic depth to each playthrough; some offer significant advantages at the cost of drawbacks. Players can also drop unwanted items.

Absolum - First Screenshots

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Upon death (which is inevitable in a roguelite!), players return to a shop where they can spend in-game currency to purchase upgrades for subsequent runs. In the preview build, this feature was incomplete.

Despite this, Absolum shows immense potential. The art style, animation, classic gameplay, and roguelite mechanics combine to create a compelling experience. The inclusion of two-player co-op promises to further enhance the fun. While some aspects are still under development, my initial impressions are overwhelmingly positive. I eagerly anticipate playing a more polished version.